Reading Between (the line)

Scene 6

It's suffocating.

The silence from everyone was deafening, making it hard to breathe. I tried to laugh off the question, but it came out awkwardly.

"Well..." I started, but the words wouldn't come.

Sensing my struggle, Anda jumped in. "This is my first time sharing this, but during our audition for Cosmos, I noticed Praewa staring at Noon intently." She revealed, smiling.

My eyes widened as I looked at Anda. First, I didn't remember that happening. The audition day was so nerve-wracking that I barely recalled anything specific. Second, was she really trying to help me? It didn't seem like it.

"Ahem." Noon's fake cough forced me to address Anda's comment.

I turned to the influencer and put on my best celebrity smile. "Well, to be honest, I remember P'Noon looked really pretty that day. I bet it wasn't just me who noticed." I widened my eyes at Anda, silently warning her, which made everyone laugh.

Fortunately, the influencer didn't push further, and the topic shifted back to Anda and Lookkaew until the interview ended.

"Thank you, ladies, for coming and agreeing to shoot this vlog. You're all so sweet and lovely." The influencer gave each of us a hug and handed out gifts and flowers.

As she was about to leave, I gathered my courage and asked for her autograph. I had been meaning to do it earlier but couldn't just find the right timing. To my surprise, she asked for my socials after and followed me. I followed her back and even took a selfie with her.

Elated, I practically hopped back to where the others were.

"You like her?" Lookkaew asked when I rejoined them, having witnessed my fangirl moment. I nodded happily.

"Isn't she cool? She's so pretty, rich, and successful. But despite that, she's still down-to-earth and so kind! She even followed me on my socials!" I gushed, and Lookkaew smiled, sharing in my happiness.

Not long after, Ms. Pram arrived with our ride, and we said our goodbyes to everyone before leaving.

---

In the van, Ms. Pram informed us that we'd stop by the company as she needed to pick up an important document. Since she would drive us home afterward, we didn't mind the stopover and agreed.

We arrived at the company's basement parking after 30 minutes.

"You ladies want to come inside with me?" Ms. Pram asked after hopping out of the van.

Lookkaew was napping, so she obviously wouldn't. Anda shook her head. When Ms. Pram's eyes turned to me, I nodded and prepared to hop off. "I gotta pee, so I'm coming," I said, opening the door. I heard no response from Noon, so I closed the door behind me.

Inside the building, me and Ms. Pram parted ways. After washing my hands, I left the bathroom and headed back to the basement. While waiting for the elevator, I got a call from Pammu.

"Hello, Pam," I answered.

[Hey. I heard you guys are in the building. We're halfway through the choreography for our upcoming performance in two months; would you want to see it and give your insights? It'll be quick.]

"Really? Sure, but I'll inform Ms. Pram first."

[Oh, don't worry about Ms. Pram. She was called by the chairman and will probably be delayed. She was the one who told us that you guys were here. Check your inbox; she must have messaged you already.]